CHERRY LOGS TO CUT UP

I’ve got two cherry logs that I’ve been storing in my shop for several years now and wondering how to cut them for turning bowls. They’re roughly 8” or so and one end, at the base is about 10”. My 12” band saw won’t handle the log before it’s cut so do I chain saw them down the middle then band saw a circle or can I cut a little of one edge off to keep the wood thicker so the bowl could be deeper?

-- Troy. - Measure twice, cut once and fill the gaps....

4 replies so far

When I’m setting up to cut blanks, I usually cut the length the same as the OD. Then I split them, or if it’s a small branch, under 7”?, I don’t split and just turn as is as I like doing Southwest hollow forms…. Jerry (in Tucson)

When I m setting up to cut blanks, I usually cut the length the same as the OD. Then I split them, or if it s a small branch, under 7”?, I don t split and just turn as is as I like doing Southwest hollow forms…. Jerry (in Tucson)

+1 with Wildwood. Make yourself a buck and use a chainsaw to slice them in half (bark down, much easier to cut than through the end grain). Orient so you are cutting through the pith since you have to take it away before the final work anyway.

If you aren’t going to turn the pieces right away, cut the length a bit longer than the diameter and seal them with Anchorseal or similar product so you have some waste to cut away any light checks or splits.

Ron

-- Once in awhile I make something really great. Most days I just make sawdust.